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[Cow's milk protein intolerance as a cause of small bowel occlusion]
Insights
Cow's milk protein formula can cause acute small bowel obstruction in infants. Removing the allergen resolved symptoms, confirming a cow's milk protein allergy as the cause.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Allergy Immunology
- Neonatal Nutrition
Context:
- Infants presenting with acute small bowel obstruction.
- Early introduction of cow's milk protein-based formula.
- Clinical and radiological evidence of obstruction.
Purpose:
- To investigate the role of cow's milk protein in acute small bowel obstruction in infants.
- To assess the efficacy of allergen withdrawal in managing this condition.
Summary:
- Two infants experienced acute small bowel obstruction linked to early cow's milk protein formula feeding.
- Symptom resolution occurred rapidly upon allergen removal, without surgery.
- Re-challenge confirmed cow's milk protein as the causative agent for the allergic reaction.
Impact:
- Highlights cow's milk protein allergy as a potential cause of infant bowel obstruction.
- Demonstrates the effectiveness of dietary management in such cases.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering allergic reactions in neonatal intestinal emergencies.
Abstract:
Two one- and three-month-old infants were admitted with clinical and radiologic signs of acute small bowel occlusion. They had been fed since the first day of life with a formula containing cow's milk proteins. The withdrawal of the allergen alone without surgical intervention led to normalization of bowel function within one day. At a new challenge with cow's milk protein the infants had an immediate clinical and biochemical response. The precocious introduction of formula containing cow's milk proteins was responsible for the allergic reaction.
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